Pepe Romero

Biography

One of the most celebrated and versatile musicians of his generation on any instrument, the Spanish-born guitarist Pepe Romero has enjoyed a varied and illustrious career. Together with his father, the legendary Celedonio Romero, and his brothers Celin and Ángel, Pepe established the Romeros Quartet — the “Royal Family of the Guitar” — as the leading guitar ensemble in the world. Known for classical performances of dazzling virtuosity, compelling interpretations, and flawless technique, Pepe is also a passionate advocate of the traditional flamenco of his native Andalusia. He has appeared as featured soloist with the world’s greatest orchestras and ensembles, in collaboration with the most celebrated conductors and composers.

Since his first recording, Flamenco Fenómeno!, released when he was only 15, Pepe has made more than 50 recordings, including over 20 concertos with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and Iona Brown. Among his recent releases are the Concierto festivo written for him by Ernesto Cordero and a song cycle Mi jardín solitario by Lorenzo Palomo. In November 2011, Deutsche Grammophon released Christmas with Los Romeros featuring the Romeros playing Christmas favorites. Pepe Romero’s new debut album for Deutsche Grammophon, “Spanish Nights”, with music from his Spanish homeland including the premiere recording of Celedonio Romero’s Suite Madrileña no. 1, is being released in summer 2012.

During the 2012/13 season Pepe Romero will be honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of his famous father. He made a US tour in April 2012 and will be touring Germany in August and December. In 2013/14 Pepe Romero will tour the world celebrating his own 70th year.

In 2004, Pepe Romero was named Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music; he also teaches master classes at USC, in the Salzburg Summer Academy, the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, and the Córdoba Guitar Festival. Among other honors, Pepe has been knighted into the Order of “Isabel la Católica”; awarded honorary doctorates in music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of Victoria; and the “Premio Andalucía de Música”, the highest recognition given by his native land for contributions to the arts. Pepe is featured in the award-winning film documentary Shadows and Light: Joaquín Rodrigo at 90;the Romeros have been the subject of biographical documentaries on PBS television and the German television channel NDR. In 2007, the Romeros received the President’s Merit Award from the Recording Academy, producers of the Grammy Awards, for their significant contributions to the music world and professional career achievements.